The Iron’s 2-1 victory over Grimsby Town saw a number of impressive performances which has given Alexander food for thought ahead of Saturday.

All the players involved on Tuesday got through 90 minutes and saw Tom Hopper score two goals and Lewis Butroid produce another assured display at left back.

Alexander is sure to make changes to his side but it remains to be seen how many come back into the side.

“I do have food for thought and I always value the games in the Checkatrade Trophy because it gives us the opportunity to play the squad,” he said.

“It gives the players the air time to showcase what they can do.

“It keeps everybody topped up fitness wise and ready to perform and it means I have got a couple of decisions to make.

“I was able to refresh a couple of players by bringing them out the squad but we will have good training sessions, ready to pick the right team and then it is down to the players.”

One of those players who was brought out the squad for Tuesday was Funso Ojo, to give him a bit of a rest, while Andrew Crofts was cup-tied after featuring for Charlton in the competition earlier in the campaign.

That central midfield position is one of the most keenly contested with Neal Bishop and Sam Mantom competing for the two slots.

“I felt it was probably better to take Funso completely off his feet for a couple of days and let him recover,” Alexander continued.

“We have to remember it is his first time in England, he is travelling every three days and it probably just got to him a little bit.

“The recovery time will be beneficial for him and Sam Mantom has played two full games which is good for him and it means there will be stiff competition.

“We have also got Andrew Crofts who is desperate to play and chomping at the bit to be included in the starting XI.

“It was a nightmare he couldn’t play on Tuesday because it was the perfect opportunity to introduce him into the fray so that was a blow both to us and him.

“He is training as hard as he can but there is only so much you can do in training.

“There is a lot of pent up frustration inside because he wants to play and wants to contribute to the first team because that is what he is here for. But he will get his chance when the opportunity arises.”

Conor Townsend, along with longer term injury victims Charlie Goode, Jonathon Margetts and Luke Williams, will all still be unavailable although Alexander hopes Townsend will be able to return to training soon.